Posted on 03/19/2026 8:28:21 AM PDT by MeanWestTexan
LONDON, March 19 (Reuters) - Leading nations in Europe said in a joint statement with Japan on Thursday they would take steps to stabilise energy markets and were ready to join "appropriate efforts" to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan, condemned attacks by Iran and called on it to halt its actions immediately. It also said they would work with certain energy producing nations to increase output and stabilise markets.
"We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait," the statement said. "We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning."
Welcoming the release of strategic petroleum reserves, the statement added: "We will take other steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output."
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Trump has levers and reminded them. Changed their tune in one day.
I’m most surprised by Japan. They have a really good navy.
Be great to get some of the Balkan mine sweepers, too. They actually have better kit than we do for that due to vulnerability from Russia.
Very good news.
Well most EU countries depend on the mid east for some oil.
America is currently close to self sufficient and a big exporter of LNG.
It’s in the interest of Europe to protect oil shipping routes.
Big Daddy Donald knows how to wield a razor strap and the kiddies well know it. EXCELLENT parenting!!!!!
Sounds like a job for the Dutch Navy.
It's impossible to open the Strait as long as Iran has missiles and drones that can blow up any ships going through.
I see a bucket brigade forming.
The Trump effect. He has a gift of getting them to do what they would rather not.
Japan, India, and S. Korea, too.
Not sure about S. Korea, but India has a competent Navy and plenty of troops that could be used to occupy the coastline.
the Gulf states could give the assisting countries a cut in the price of oil as payment.
✅
Time to come Home.
“It’s impossible to open the Strait as long as Iran has missiles and drones that can blow up any ships going through.”
Yeah, you’ve also said everything else we’ve done in two weeks was impossible.
Close, but not yet. A month or so.
Are the Shending sips or Sending Ships?
It’s impossible to open the Strait as long as Iran has missiles and drones that can blow up any ships going through.>>> Well the statement said they are planning, and encouraging more production, and opening of strategic reserves. That kind of stuff. Real important things. /s
The problem with Japan and S. Korea is that their forces need to stay home to deter China.
I was in Japan last year, and one of our port calls was Nagasaki, home of the big Mitsubishi Heavy Industries naval shipyards. There were two very capable looking modern frigates under construction and two older destroyers undergoing refit.
They got the word.
Trump will soon set up a toll gate on the Straights of Hormuz.
[Brave search results]
Canal to Bypass the Strait of Hormuz
A proposed canal through Oman’s Musandam Peninsula or across the UAE’s desert could theoretically allow ships to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, a critical 21-mile-wide chokepoint through which 20% of the world’s oil passes daily. However, such a project faces immense challenges.
Engineering & Cost: The terrain is extremely rugged, with mountains rising over 2,000 meters. A canal would need to be 150 meters wide and 25 meters deep, requiring the excavation of millions of tons of rock. Estimates for the cost range from $100 billion to $200 billion, dwarfing projects like the Panama Canal expansion ($5 billion).
Technical Feasibility: Modern Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) require deep, wide lanes. The project would likely need a series of massive locks to navigate elevation changes, and seawater would need to be pumped across mountainous terrain—an enormous logistical and energy burden.
Political & Strategic Hurdles: The Musandam Peninsula is shared by Oman and the UAE, requiring complex international cooperation. Iran’s influence and regional instability make long-term security guarantees uncertain. Even if built, the canal would become a new single point of failure—just like the current strait.
Existing Alternatives: Gulf states are already reducing reliance via pipelines. Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline (1,200 km) can move up to 7 million barrels per day to the Red Sea, bypassing Hormuz entirely. The UAE has a pipeline to Fujairah, and India has explored land-based transshipment via Oman.
While the idea captures attention as a bold solution to a fragile chokepoint, no such canal is currently under construction. The risks, costs, and political complexities make it far less viable than incremental alternatives like pipelines and strategic rerouting.
AI-generated answer. Please verify critical facts.
https://search.brave.com/search?q=canal+to+bypass+hormuz&source=desktop&summary=1
[overland, underground, and undersea pipelines make the most sense, assuming that the mullahcracy is also destroyed]
I understand that Lloyds have threatened any shipping line with future penalties if they accept coverage from any other source during this crisis.
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